Since 1999, Springfield's Computer Banc has served as a depository for donated computers which are refurbished and distributed to nonprofits, schools and the underserved at a reduced cost. The organization is also an authorized nonprofit Microsoft refurbisher, meaning it is officially licensed to repurpose computers with up-to-date Windows software and is the largest nonprofit Microsoft-registered refurbisher in Illinois.
In addition to donating computers to Computer Banc, monetary donations help offset fees to provide computers to children or other populations in need. While Computer Banc's programs primarily serve Illinois, it does have a national program for active-duty military, veterans and a special program for disabled veterans.
According to David Fowler, Computer Banc's executive director, the organization is still on the site of the former Sangamo Electric facility (built 1925-1928), but it's changing.
"We have finally come to an end regarding the railroad relocation project and the impact on our facility," Fowler said. "The agreement was signed earlier this year and the demolition phase is almost complete. Our two buildings on the west side of the property represented a loss of 11,600 square feet of storage."
Fowler said the remaining two buildings, totaling about 24,400 square feet, are being redesigned for maximum efficiency. Included in the renovation is a 1,200-square-foot-office, a redesigned computer lab of the same size, an 800-square-foot climate-controlled storage room, a 3,000-square-foot volunteer center for electronics and parts sorting and a 10,000-square-foot warehouse with pallet-racking storage.
Computer Banc is a hybrid-staffed organization. The nonprofit employs just five paid, full-time staff (one administrator and four technical), plus additional part-time staff and, on average, six to 10 volunteers daily to further the mission.
It not only collects donated computers for e-recycling, but it also has added a technician training component to its mission.
"Over the last 10 years," explained Fowler, "we have had over 118 people complete our 60-hour training course. We also coordinate our training efforts with other community agencies and schools to provide a six-to-nine-month technician internship. You often hear someone say, 'It takes a community,' and we at Computer Bank would agree," he said.
Unlike some organizations, Computer Banc continued to collect donations during the pandemic and provide computers almost uninterrupted, said Fowler. "During the first six months of the pandemic lockdown, we worked six days a week to meet the demand from our customers. Many nonprofits were not prepared to work from home. And of course, many individuals and families didn't have home computers," he said.
Fowler said computer donations have always been cyclical but have remained generally strong, and he expects an increase. "We are entering a period of significant change regarding computers. Thousands of computers will become increasingly obsolete over the next year as Microsoft enforces the change from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Windows 11 will not operate on computers that are older than four-to-six years, essentially a similar position taken by Apple for many years," Fowler said.
Computer Banc assists a number of educational, health and social support organizations. Among those are the YMCA of Springfield, which has had a partnership with Computer Banc for more than a decade.
Francisco Saravia, Springfield YMCA's chief technology officer, said the YMCA has benefited in several ways.
"Computer Banc's refurbished computers and hardware have allowed the YMCA to significantly reduce its technology expenses, freeing resources to invest in other areas, like programs and community services. The reliable and up-to-date technology provided by Computer Banc has enhanced staff productivity and streamlined operations," Saravia said. He noted that utilizing refurbished technology also has allowed the YMCA to reduce its environmental footprint.
"The reliable technology has improved communication, data management and program delivery," Saravia continued. "The YMCA and Computer Banc share a common goal of empowering individuals and strengthening communities. We anticipate that their support will continue to be instrumental in helping us fulfill our mission. As our organization evolves, we are confident that Computer Banc will continue to be a valuable partner in ensuring that we have the technology resources necessary to thrive."
Community members can support Computer Banc in various ways. In addition to computer donations, every Friday Computer Banc mobilizes teams of volunteers and welcomes new members. It also has a variety of open positions for internships and other on-the-job training programs through various community partnerships.
For more information on Computer Banc's programs and efforts, visit computerbanc.org.
Janet Seitz is a local communications professional, writer and artist. To share your story, contact her at [email protected].
